The Giant Escape Disc 2 in Asphalt Green is widely considered the "Goldilocks" of the Escape range. It sits perfectly between the budget-friendly Disc 3 and the high-end Disc 1, offering the most critical performance upgrades—hydraulic brakes and an aluminium fork—without the price tag of a full carbon front end.
For the 2026 season, the "Asphalt Green" finish is a standout—a dark, matte, tactical forest green that looks rugged and sophisticated, especially when paired with the blacked-out components. This model has also made the leap to the Shimano CUES 2x9 drivetrain, ensuring that your shifting remains smooth and reliable even after thousands of miles of commuting.
Frameset & Geometry
Frame: ALUXX-Grade Aluminium, Quick Release, internal cable routing, integrated rack & mudguard mounts.
Fork: Alloy, rack & disc mounts (The alloy fork is a significant weight-saving upgrade over the steel fork on the Disc 3).
Handlebar: Giant Sport XC, flat, 31.8mm.
Seatpost: Giant D-Fuse, Alloy.
Saddle: Giant ErgoContact
Colour: Asphalt Green.
Drivetrain & Brakes
Shifters: Shimano CUES U4000, 2x9-speed.
Front Derailleur: Shimano CUES U4010.
Rear Derailleur: Shimano CUES U4020 (Shadow RD) (Features a low-profile design to avoid snags in bike racks).
Crankset: Forged alloy, 30/46T.
Cassette: Shimano CUES LG300, 11-36T
Brakes: Tektro HD-R280 Hydraulic Disc.
Rotors: Giant MPH, 160mm (Front & Rear).
Wheels & Tires
Wheelset: Giant Double Wall Aluminium rims, QR Alloy Hubs.
Tires: Giant S-X2, 700x38c, Puncture Protect.
Max Tire Clearance: 45mm.
Key Performance Features
The Alloy Fork Advantage: By swapping steel for aluminium in the fork, the Escape Disc 2 feels noticeably "poppier" and easier to lift over curbs than the base model. It also provides a stiffer platform for the hydraulic brakes to bite into.
Shimano CUES 2x9: This drivetrain is the new industry standard for reliability. The LinkGlide cassette is much harder to wear down than the old Acera or Alivio systems, meaning you'll spend less time at the bike shop for maintenance and more time riding.
Hydraulic Precision: The Tektro hydraulic brakes provide consistent, powerful stopping power with very little hand effort. This is a game-changer for long descents or navigating heavy city traffic in the rain.
D-Fuse Technology: Even though the fork is alloy, Giant keeps the ride comfortable by using the D-Fuse seatpost. It allows for just enough "give" to smooth out the "buzz" from rough asphalt or light gravel paths.